Locking mechanism for panels

ABSTRACT

A locking member for locking panels having a frame, to a support structure. The locking member includes an elongated portion for fastening the locking member to the support structure, and at least one clip defined on the elongated portion for securing the frame thereto. The clip is configured for gripping the U section of the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

Solar panels have recently become a very common product. The panels comprise photo-voltaic cells that receive sunlight and produce electricity. The panels are typically positioned on building roofs or in various fields on specialized support structures, to which they are attached by means of various types of clamping mechanisms. The high price of solar panels and their typically unavoidable positioning outside of houses and in remote or poorly guarded areas makes them an attractive target for thieves, who steal the panels for their own use or sell them as valuable electricity generating products.

There are various measures for preventing theft of solar panels, including electronic and optical surveillance and warning means, however the thieves often know how to bypass them. Such solutions are also typically costly and require separate assembly and installation that prolongs and complicates the process of assembly and installation of the solar panels.

Typical mechanical clamping mechanisms for solar panel theft prevention include clamps (or fasteners) that are connected by means of Allen head screws (or bolts) to the support structure of the solar panels. Each Allen head is subsequently sealed with a small steel ball to prevent the possibility of introducing a hex (Allen) key into the head and unscrewing the screw. However, such mechanisms are insufficient because thieves can bend the clamps, without removing the screws, and free the solar panels with relative ease and without damaging them.

The present disclosed subject matter makes reference to solar panels, however, the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular form of panels.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The locking mechanism (or lock) of the presently disclosed subject matter attaches at least one solar panel to a support structure by holding onto its frame and prevents it from being moved away from the support structure and/or the other solar panel.

In an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter the locking mechanism fixes the solar panel to its support structure and/or the other solar panel. While, in another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, the locking mechanism enables parallel movement of a panel, along one axis only, on the support structure or relative to a nearby panel, without enabling the panel to move away from the nearby panel, or removing it away from the structure.

The locking mechanism, when fixed to the support structure, cannot be simply bent to enable the solar panel to be removed or stolen, unlike the conventionally used clamps. In fact, one has to either break or pull the locking mechanism out of the support structure together with, or after tearing off or otherwise removing, the screw that attaches it to the support structure.

When the locking mechanism attaches at least two solar panels to each other and is not fixed or otherwise attached to the support structure, while the solar panels are attached to the support structure by means of clamps, the locking mechanism prevents the possibility of stealing one of the solar panels by simply bending the clamps that hold it at one side thereof and subsequently pulling on the solar panel to free it from the clamps at its other side.

Noting that one particular application of the presently disclosed subject matter is concerned with solar panels, it is appreciated that an attempt to temper with the components of the locking mechanism will most likely result in damage or breakage of the solar panels.

In an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter the locking member comprising an elongated portion for fastening to the support structure, and at least one clip defined on the elongated portion for securing the frame thereto. The at least one clip can include a first clip for securing the frame of a first panel, and a second clip, opposing said first clip, for securing the frame of a second panel.

The locking member can further comprise a clamping member having at least one wing for clamping a top surface of the panel. The at least one wing can includes a first wing for clamping top surface of a first panel, and a second wing for clamping top surface of a second panel. The clamping member can further includes a top portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure, the top portion is disposed between the frame of the first panel and the frame of the second panel.

In case the clamping member includes one wing the top portion is disposed between the frame of the panel and a shielding wall provided thereto.

According to an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter the locking member further comprises a shield member mounted between the clamping member and the locking member, for protecting the screw.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter the position of the first clip of the clocking member is adjustable with respect to the second clip.

In addition the presently disclosed subject matter can further include one or more of the following features:

-   -   A holder for holding a detecting cable the holder can be in a         form of a channel provided substantially in parallel to the clip         or in a form of a removable holder received in an opening         provided on the elongated portion.     -   At least one mounting shoulder extending from the side of the         elongated portion, for engaging the support structure.     -   Fastening means for fastening the locking member to the support         structure, the fastening means can be a screw having an inner         peripheral interface head portion.     -   The screw can further include an outer peripheral head portion         which is tapered or spherical.

The screw can be further provided with a cap mountable inside the inner peripheral interface head portion.

A locking mechanism for solar panels according to the disclosed subject matter can further comprise the bolt that attaches it to the support structure. The locking mechanism is configured for attachment to a portion of a solar panel's frame that faces the support structure, i.e. the rear or back side of a solar panel. The attachment of the locking mechanism and a corresponding attached portion thereof is thus positioned between the solar panel and the support structure. The locking mechanism thus prevents lateral movement, of the solar panel with respect to the support structure and/or another panel, at least along one axis.

The screws or bolts can, for example, have hex (Allen) heads and these can be sealed by a cap such as a metal ball or a metal disk or a shaped part insertable into the heads of the screws. The metal ball can be made, for example, of steel or of a soft metal such as aluminum which is pressed into the hole. Use of a soft metal ball pressed into the screw head enables the screw to be unscrewed after the soft metal is drilled out, for example, by a drill. Alternatively, non-conventional screw heads may be used (e.g. slotted, temper proof, one way screws), rendering it complicated or impossible to remove the screws/bolts without tampering.

In an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter the locking mechanism can be combined with conventional or modified clamps. For example, the same screw can be used to attach the clamp and the locking mechanism to the support structure. In another example, the clamp(s) can be combined by being connected to the locking mechanism(s) or be in contact with it. For example, the locking mechanism can block an edge of the clamp thus making it more difficult to bend the clamp or tear it away.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of locking member constructed and operative in accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of two solar panels secured with the locking member of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 2B is a side sectional view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side sectional view of a solar panel secured with the locking member of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 3B is a side sectional view of two solar panels secured with the locking member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the locking member of FIG. 4A

FIG. 4C is a side sectional view of a solar panel secured with the locking member of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of two solar panels secured with the locking members of FIGS. 3A and 4A;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 3A having an shield member;

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 4A having an shield member;

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the locking member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 7D is a side sectional view of two solar panels secured with the locking members of FIG. 7C;

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 8D is a side sectional view of two solar panels secured with the locking members of FIG. 8C;

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 9B is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 9A having an shield member, an clamping member, and fiber optic cable mounted thereon;

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example;

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 10A having an shield member, an clamping member, and fiber optic cable mounted thereon; and,

FIG. 10C is an isometric view of a locking mechanism according to another example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A illustrates a locking member 12 having an elongated portion 14 and two opposing clips 16 a and 16 b, each defined at one side of the elongated portion 14. The elongated portion 14 is configured to be mounted on a support structure (not shown) holding of solar panels, and can include fastening means, here illustrated as a screw 18 for fastening the locking member 12 to the support structure. Each one of clips 16 a and 16 b is configured for attaching to a frame of a solar panel.

As shown in FIG. 1B locking member 12 locks two adjacent solar panels 20 a and 20 b one relative to the other. Clip 16 a is attached to the frame 22 a of the first solar panel 20 a, and clip 16 b is attached to the frame 22 b of the second solar panel 20 b. More particularly, the clips 16 a and 16 b are configured to grip the U section 23 defined at the periphery of each frame and facing the space below the panel. Elongated portion 14 is secured to support structure 30 of the solar panels 20 a and 20 b with screw 18. It is appreciated that the length of elongated portion 14 is determined in accordance with the desired distance between the solar panels 20 a and 20 b. In addition, the shape of clips 16 a and 16 b is determined in accordance with the frame, for example the width and thickness thereof.

The locking member 12 can be secured to the support structure 30 by fastening the screw 18 therein, following which, the frame 22 a of the first solar panel 20 a is coupled to the locking member 12 by attaching the U section 23 to clip 16 a. Once the first panel 20 a is in place, the second panel 20 b can be coupled to the locking member 12 by attaching the U section 23 of frame 22 b to the opposing clip 16 b. Once the panels 20 a and 20 b are secured, removing thereof, requires first removing the locking member 12. Since screw 18, securing the locking member 12 to the support structure 30, is disposed in between the bottom portion of the frame 22 a and the bottom portion of frame 22 b, accessing the screw 18 can be carried out only by utilizing a screwdriver having an appropriate length. In addition, the screw can include an inner peripheral interface head portion 19 which can be unscrewed with a screwdriver having a corresponding interface portion. In order to further preclude unauthorized removal of the panels and the locking member 12, the outer periphery 17 of the screw head can be tapered or otherwise spherical, thus, the screw can not be gripped with a plier or a wrench. In addition, in order to further preclude unauthorized removal of the panels, the inner peripheral interface portion 19 can be blocked with a cap 21 inserted therein.

The cap 21 can be made, for example, of steel. Alternatively, the cap 21 can be made of a soft metal, such as for example aluminum, and deformed in the head of the screw thus blocking it entirely, while still enabling their removal by a drill.

This way, the locking member 12 renders the removal of the solar panels difficult, to the extent that the panels can be stolen without causing damage thereto.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show a locking member 32 in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. Locking member 32 is substantially the same as the locking member 12 of FIG. 1A, and includes an elongated portion 34 and a clip 36, and a fastening screw 38. In this example, the locking member includes only one clip 36, and is configured to secure one solar panel 20 to a support structure 30. Locking member 32 can be utilized when no other panel is mounted adjacent solar panel 20. For example in case the solar panel 20 is the last panel in a solar panel system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a locking member 42 in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. Locking member 42 includes an elongated portion 44 having a pair of clips 46 substantially the same as the one shown in FIG. 1A. Locking member 42 is further provided with a clamping member 48 having two wings 50 a and 50 b and fastening element 52, here illustrated as screw 54 for securing to support structure 30. Each one of wings 50 a and 50 b is configured to clamp the top surface of a solar panel 20 a and 20 b, whereas the clips 46 are configured to hold the frame at the bottom of the solar panel. As most clearly shown in FIG. 3B when the screw is tightened the wings 50 a and 50 b are urged toward the support structure 30, thus pressing the solar panels 20 a and 20 b, respectively, against the support structure 30. This way, the clamping member 48 provides additional stability and reinforcement to the panels 20. It is appreciated that according to this embodiment the screw 54 is substantially longer than the screw 18 of FIG. 1A, so as to allow the screw to fasten clamping member 48 which is disposed higher than the elongated portion 44. The screw 54 or any other fastening means can be received in an aperture (not shown) defined on a top portion 49 of the clamping member 48 in between the wings 50 a and 50 b. The top portion 49 can be formed lower than wings 50 a and 50 b, thus when mounted between the solar panels 20 a and 20 b, the screw is disposed in the space between the panels, thereby rendering the access thereto difficult.

As shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C locking member 62 can be in the form of a one side locking member, for locking one panel as opposed to two panels, similar to the locking member described hereinabove in regards to FIG. 2A. Locking member 62 includes a clamping member 63 having one wing 64 for engaging the top surface of a solar panel 20, and one clip 65 for securing the frame 22 at the bottom of the solar panel. Clamping member 63 further includes a top portion 66 a having fastening means, such as a screw. The top portion 66 a is disposed lower than wing 64 and is further provided with a shielding wall 66 b surrounding the screw, thus rendering the access thereto difficult.

As shown in FIG. 5, panel 20 b can be secured to support structure 30 by utilizing the locking member 62 of FIG. 4A on one side thereof, together with adjacent panel 20 b, and the locking member 42 of FIG. 3A on the other side thereof, for example, when there is no other panel mounted on that side.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the clamping member 48 of FIG. 3A and the clamping member 63 of FIG. 4A, respectively, both being coupled to a shield member 68. Shield member 68 can be mounted between the clamping member 48 and the locking member 42 as shown in FIG. 6A, or between the clamping member 63 and the locking member 62 of FIG. 6B. The shield member provides additional support when the screw of the clamping member is tightened. The clamping member can include one or more guides, such as guides 47 provided on clamping member 48 of FIG. 3A, or guides 61 provided on the clamping member 63 of FIG. 4A. The guides can be configured to slide in corresponding channels 69 provided in the inner periphery of the shield member 68.

FIGS. 7A through 7D show a locking member 70 in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. According to this example, the position of the two opposing clips is adjustable with respect to one another. For example, the locking member 70 includes two opposing clips 76 a and 76 b, each having an elongated portion 74 a and 74 b, respectively. Elongated portion 74 a defines a depression 72 a defined on the upper surface thereof, and elongated portion 74 b defines a corresponding depression 72 b defined on the bottom surface thereof In operation, elongated portions 74 b is placed on depression 72 a of elongated portion 74 a. This way, the position of the two clips 76 a and 76 b can be adjusted relative to one another. It is appreciated that in order to secure locking member 70 to the support member 30 (best seen in FIG. 7 d) a fastening screw 78 is provided. It is further appreciated that elongated portion 74 a and 74 b are provided with screw aperture. However, in order to allow adjusting the position of the clips relative to one another, the aperture of at least one of elongated portion 74 a or 74 b is in an elongated aperture (not shown), allowing tightening screw 78 in the desired position along the aperture. In addition, as seen in FIG. 7C, locking member 70 may be provided with a clamping member 73, substantially similar to clamping member 48 of FIG. 3A.

As most clearly seen in FIG. 7D, the locking member 70 can be used for securing solar panels 20 a and 20 b. The locking member 70 is not objected to solar panels having a specific distance therebetween, since the position of the clips 76 a and 76 b relative to one another can be adjusted in accordance with the distance between the two panels. This arrangement allows tightening the panels to one another in accordance with the exact space therebetween. In addition, in case the width of the frame which is gripped by the clips 76 a and 76 b is not of a predetermined size, the locking member 70 can be adjusted so as tightly secure the panel two panels relative to one another. Thus, adjusting the position of the elongated portion 74 a and 74 b one relative to the other, compensates for variations in the width of the U section 23 of the frame.

FIG. 8A illustrates a locking member 80 in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. Locking member 80 includes an elongated portion 82, having a pair clips 84 a defined on one end thereof and another pair of opposing clips 84 b, defined on the other end thereof. The locking member 80 can be mounted on a support structure by means of a screw 85 and a screw aperture (not shown) defined on the elongated portion 82. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the locking member 80 may be provided with a mounting shoulder 87, extending downwardly from the side of the elongated portion 82, and configured for securing to support structure, by means of a screw 89 (as exemplified in FIG. 8D). As shown in FIG. 8C the locking member 80 may be provided with two mounting shoulder 87 a and 87 b extending downwardly, each from one side of the elongated portion 82.

FIG. 9A a locking member 90 in accordance with another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The locking member 90 is configured to lock one panel to a support structure, and includes a clip 92, and an elongated portion 94 provided with an aperture 95 for receiving a screw, similar to the one of the previous examples. Locking member 90 is further provided with a holder, here illustrated as a channel 96, configured for receiving detection means, such as an optical fiber, or an electric cable. Although the channel 96 in this illustration is provided at the side of the clip 92 being parallel thereto, it can alternately be mounted on or integrally formed with any other portion of the locking member. It is appreciated that the channel 96 may be provided on a locking member having two opposing clips, and/or any other arrangement as discussed hereinabove.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the locking member can be mounted together with a clamping member and an shield member, as discussed herein above. A detecting cable, such as a fiber optic cable 97 can be disposed through channel 96, and can be coupled to detection means configured to detect when the fiber optic cable 97 is torn or displaced. It is appreciated that the fiber optic cable 97 can be extended through a plurality of channels each provided on a locking member locking a solar panel. This way, an arrangement of solar panels can be protected with one fiber optic cable, which serves as an additional protection means for the solar panels.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B the locking member 100 can be provided with an opening 102 defined on the elongated portion 104, configured for receiving a removable holder 106 (shown in FIG. 10 b) for holding a detecting cable 112. As in previous examples, the locking member 100 can further be provided with a clamping member 108 and an shield member 110. The removable holder 106 is configured to be inserted through opening 102, and is provided with a wide portion 114 which is wider than opening 102. Thus, when it is desired to add warning means to the solar panel arrangement, the holder 106 can be inserted through opening 102, while the wide portion bears against the elongated portion. This way the holder can not be removed from the bottom side of the locking member, and a detecting cable 112 can be extended through the holder 106. The holder 106 can be inserted in parallel to the clips, that is to say, that detecting cable 112 can be extended for example, alongside the width of the panel. Otherwise, the holder can be inserted in perpendicular to the clip, in which case the detecting cable 112 is extended alongside the length of the panel. Thus, utilizing the locking member 100 with the holder 106, as opposed to using the locking member 90 with channel 96, allows choosing the desired direction through which the detecting cable is extended. This can be useful when the panel is a part of a panel arrangement which includes a plurality of panels, thus extending the detecting cable in a first direction can be easier than extending it in a second direction.

It is appreciated that the locking member can be provided with both; a channel for receiving a first detecting cable, and a holder for receiving a second detecting cable. As illustrated in FIG. 10C, the channel 118 and the holder 120 provided on the locking member 115 can be perpendicular disposed relative to one another, so as to allow extending cables in different directions relative to the solar panel. 

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A locking member for locking a panel, having a frame with a U-shaped section facing a space below the panel, to a support structure, the locking member comprising: an elongated portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure; and at least one clip defined on the elongated portion and configured for securely gripping the U-shaped section such that movement of the panel is enabled along only one axis relative to the support structure and removing the panel requires first removing the locking member.
 22. The locking member of claim 21 wherein the at least one clip includes a first clip for securely gripping the U-shaped section of the frame of a first panel, and a second clip, generally opposing the first clip, for securely gripping the U-shaped section of the frame of a second panel.
 23. The locking member of claim 21 wherein the fastening means are disposed between the first clip and the second clip so that when the first panel and second panel are assembled, the fastening means are positioned between the first panel and the second panel.
 24. The locking member of claim 21, further comprising a clamping member having at least one wing for clamping a top surface of the panel.
 25. The locking member of claim 24 wherein the at least one wing includes a first wing for clamping top surface of a first panel, and a second wing for clamping top surface of a second panel.
 26. The locking member of claim 24 wherein the clamping member further includes a top portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure, the top portion being disposed between the frame of the panel and a shielding wall.
 27. The locking member of claim 25 wherein the clamping member further includes a top portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure, the top portion being disposed between the frame of the first panel and the frame of the second panel.
 28. The locking member of claim 24, further comprising a shield member mounted between the clamping member and the locking member.
 29. The locking member of claim 22 wherein the position of the first clip is adjustable with respect to the second clip.
 30. The locking member of claim 29 wherein first clip includes a first elongated portion having a depression defined on an upper surface thereof and the second clip includes a second elongated portion having a corresponding depression defined on a bottom surface thereof such that the position of the first clip can be adjusted relative to the second clip.
 31. The locking member of claim 21, further comprising a holder for holding an alarm detecting cable.
 32. The locking member of claim 31 wherein the holder includes a channel provided substantially in parallel to the at least one clip.
 33. The locking member of claim 31 wherein the holder is a removable holder received in an opening provided on the elongated portion.
 34. The locking member of claim 31 wherein first clip includes a first elongated portion having a depression defined on an upper surface thereof and the second clip includes a second elongated portion having a corresponding depression defined on a bottom surface thereof such that the position of the first clip can be adjusted relative to the second clip, and wherein the holder is a removable holder received in an opening provided on the depression and the corresponding depression.
 35. The locking member of claim 31 wherein the removable holder is disposed such that the alarm detecting cable can be extended therethrough substantially perpendicular with respect to the at least one clip.
 36. The locking member claim 21, further comprising at least one mounting shoulder extending from a side of the elongated portion, for engaging the support structure.
 37. The locking member of claim 21 wherein the fastening means includes a screw having an inner peripheral interface head portion.
 38. The locking member of claim 37 wherein the screw further includes an outer peripheral head portion, wherein the outer peripheral head portion is tapered.
 39. The locking member of claim 37 wherein the screw is provided with a cap mountable inside the inner peripheral interface head portion.
 40. The locking member of claim 39 wherein the cap includes a metal ball or a metal disk. 